40 WEST ARTS DISTRICT
Final 2017 District Art Walk,
Sip n’ Paint Coming Up
Page 6

NEIGHBORHOOD FILM
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HEALTHY EDGEWATER
The Krick Family Talks About
Healthy Living
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NEIGHBORHOOD

EDGEWATER

| SLOAN’S LAKE | WEST COLFAX | TWO CREEKS

September 19 – October 16, 2017 • ngazette.com • FREE

Elections
Shape Up for
November Races
C

andidates running on the November 2017 ballot were
required to ﬁle paperwork with their respective city
clerks or school board oﬃces by close of business Aug. 28.
The following week, the Neighborhood Gazette emailed
questionnaires to the hopefuls, along with a request for a
high-resolution headshot photo.
In this edition we published responses from candidates
running for Edgewater mayor (page 5), Lakewood City
Council Ward 2 (page 4) and Jeﬀerson County Board of
Education (page 7); responses from candidates running for
Edgewater City Council will be published in the October
issue due to space limitations.
We asked each candidate:
• How long have you lived at your current address?
• How long have you lived in Jeﬀco?
• Current occupation?
• Previous occupations?
• Previous public service experience, if any?
• Community involvement and experience?
Continued on page 5

MORE THAN 2,100 PEOPLE took part in the ninth annual Colorado 9/11 Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
on Sept. 11, to remember the first responders who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 – see
story on page 8. PHOTO BY WEST METRO FIRE RESCUE.

10 Candidates in Edgewater City Election: What’s in The Water?
■ by

Jennifer LeDuc

W

hen Edgewater residents cast their
ballots in November they’ll be
deciding between not just two candidates
for mayor but four, and choosing among
six candidates for three council seats (one
council member is running for a second
term).
In a town with a population just
over 5,300, that works out to about one
in 500 residents running for a seat in
city government. In Lakewood, a city
about 30 times larger than Edgewater,
there are 11 candidates, or about one in
every 14,000 residents campaigning. In
Wheat Ridge, a town with a population of
approximately 32,000, again, 11 candidates,
or one in 2,800 residents. Arvada has seven
candidates for three positions, two of which
are unopposed, and that works out to about
one candidate per 16,700 residents.
So what is going on in Edgewater that is
drawing out such a disproportionately high
number of candidates compared to its larger
neighbors, you might ask. Surely there are
some angry, fed up folks with pitchforks and
torches ready to take on Edgewater city hall,
right?
Not exactly.
“What I think is going on is Edgewater
is growing in a positive direction and when
residents see that it draws you to want to get
involved,” suggested council candidate Cory
Reid-Vanas.
Indeed, when asked about their
thoughts on what such a disproportionate
number of residents getting involved says
about the state of Edgewater, the sentiments
expressed by Reid-Vanas quite succinctly
summarized the sentiments of other current
council members and some of this year’s
candidates.
For Councilor Kate Mulcahy, it was
the feeling that she really could make a

diﬀerence in her community that spurred
her decision to run in 2015.
“I know noone is ever 100 percent
happy,” Mulcahy said. “But I know for me
when I ran there was no animosity, it was
purely ‘I love this city’ and I wanted to be
involved, and this is a city I thought I could
make a diﬀerence in.”
“It’s great when the city can generate so
many candidates who honestly have a love
for the community rather than because the
local government isn’t doing their job,” said
Councilor Todd Riddle, who is also one of
four candidates for mayor.
Having lived in other Colorado
communities before settling in Edgewater,
like other residents Reid-Varas sees the city
optimally sandwiched between Denver and
the foothills, although not just in terms of
prime access to amenities, but socially.
“My experience in Edgewater,” he

said, “is you have room for very diverse
population and citizenship. I know people
highly involved and engaged, and people
who are very private, and Edgewater
supports that, and each individual gets to
decide what they need and can experience
that in Edgewater.”
Councilor Myra Keeble recalls several
elections where candidates ran unopposed,
and recognizes issues have changed since
she was ﬁrst elected, but so has public
interest.
“There’s a lot of interest in what we’re
doing now,” Keeble said, and like her
peers cited the planned civic center as a
particularly magnetizing project in the
community. “I think because things are
going pretty well, people want to be a part
of that process. They like our city, it feels
lively, and we’re doing exciting things and
they want to be apart of it.”

Outgoing mayor Kristian A. Teegardin
isn’t surprised at the number of candidates
on the ballot, nor is he surprised to hear
such positive and cohesive sentiments
echoed amongst current and prospective
council members.
Why?
“I think over the last three or four years
we’ve made concerted eﬀorts to engage our
citizens and people are becoming more
involved,” said Teegardin, reﬂecting on his
tenure and collaboration with city council.
“As mayor I've made concerted eﬀorts to
have citizens involved and at the very least
have citizens informed as to what’s going
on.”
Originally from a small town in Indiana,
Teegardin, who is a candidate for state
House District 24, said those small town
Continued on page 2

W E ST C O L FA X S K E TC H E S

Oliver’s Army:
A Cartoonist’s View of a
Forgotten Battlefield
■ By

Kris Autobee

O
THE WORK OF LAKEWOOD CARTOONIST Oliver Pedigo
and his fellow artists were captured in "Windblown and
Dripping" from 1945. COURTESY KRIS AUTOBEE

liver Pedigo spent most of his adult life within a few blocks
of the intersection of Wadsworth Boulevard and West Colfax
Avenue. His participation from June 1942 to October 1945 in
the second world war was the reason for his long absence from
Lakewood. He created his best known art during that time.
In 1915, Joseph and Mildred Pedigo moved to Yuma, Colo., with
their sons, Merrill, Farland, Oliver, Raymond and Willie. The Yuma
Pioneer reported on April 9, 1915, “J. E. Pedigo and family arrived
Continued on page 2

differ, but everyone agrees that General
Thompson loved detective novels, and
Dashiel Hammett had some star power.
Hammett was allowed to choose his own
staff – two writers, three illustrators, two
printers and one typist. Doing so, General
Thompson inadvertently created the first
integrated U.S. Army newspaper four
years before President Truman signed
integration orders. Hammett hired AfricanAmerican Alba Morris as a printer, and
Jamaican-American Don Miller as one of
the illustrators.
Named after the island it was printed
on, The Adakian’s first issue rolled off
the press (mimeograph) on Jan. 19, 1944.
Troops loved the four-page newspaper and
it became a daily almost immediately. It was
for local consumption only and its prime
duty was to bolster morale. Men were not
allowed to send it home so it is a very rare
newspaper. The nine-man staff printed
about 6,000 copies daily.
Aside from editorial cartoons that
expressed humorous, frustrating, and
common life situations on the Aleutian
Islands, Don Miller and Oliver Pedigo also
regularly illustrated soldier profiles with a
portrait of the subject. It is generally agreed
that Hammett wrote the captions. Hammett,
Miller, Pedigo and fellow cartoonist Bernard
Anastasia published, “Wind Swept and
Dripping,” as a collection of these editorial
cartoons. As rare as the newspaper, a copy
in good condition will set you back $300 to
$400 – if you can find a collector willing to
sell.
After the war, Don Miller continued
as a painter, and is best known for his
1986 “King Mural” which dominates the
main lobby of the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Memorial Library in Washington, D.C.
Bernard Kalb, Adakian staff writer, spend
the 30 years following the war covering
international relations for CBS and NBC
News, as well as the New York Times.
Adakian Assistant Editor Bill Glackin
covered the arts for the Sacramento Bee
for over 55 years.
And Pedigo? He went back to interior
design and house painting. There is some
suggestion that he illustrated drawings for
architects during Lakewood’s post-war
building boom. And he well maybe the hand
behind some unsigned editorial cartoons for
the local newspaper.

Edgewater
Continued from page 1

values are infused in everything he does
“everyday.”
So is Edgewater’s size the reason for its
current optimistic and successful energy
when more schismatic engagements seem
to pervade the politics of larger neighboring
communities?
“I don’t want to discount the size of
Edgewater but I think throughout all
localities when you get granular and into the
neighborhoods, you see what’s important
to everybody. People matter,” said
Teegardin. “They drive the boat and if the
representatives aren’t in touch with those
folks it doesn't matter how big or small you
are, it becomes a problem.”

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Time at current address, Jeﬀco: 5 Years; 5 Years.
Current/Previous occupation: NCIC Agent for
the Denver Police Dept.; I have also previously worked in
construction working on concrete infrastructure projects
and various service industry jobs.
Public Service: 10 Years working for Local
Government. Worked on infrastructure projects worked
in permitting and now I work for the Denver Police
Department.
Community Involvement: I have worked on many
community issues since I was 16 years old. I currently
regularly volunteer for the St. Francis homeless shelter.
I volunteer for the handicap parking enforcement unit. I
volunteered for the emergency neighborhood snowplow program. I’ve worked on registering
people to vote in underserved communities. I worked on a walking study in the Two Creeks
neighborhood. I worked on outreach to spread awareness on environmental issues, I
advocated to get funding for infrastructure projects done around the state. I was apart of
successfully advocating for the Colorado General Assembly to help turn Metro State College
into a University. I fought to keep college tuition lower and to protect K-12 funding against
amendments 60, 61, and 101. I served on Metropolitan State University of Denver's Board
of Trustees. I served on the Associated Students of Colorado and the Yess Institute’s Board.
I also earned the Mayors and Commissioners Youth Leadership Award and others. So,
when I ask for the voters support. I am asking them to believe that I will do, what I have
always done. I will work for the community. I was raised in Castle Rock, but now that I call
Lakewood home. I will be your champion and if you give me the tools I will be even more
eﬀective. Thank you for the support you’ve shown.
Board/Committee Memberships: Current Teamster. Former Metropolitan State
University of Denver’s Board of Trustees. Former Associated Students of Colorado Board
member Former CCHE Student Fee Working Group member. Former Yess Institute Boardmember.
Key issues/how address: Managing growth, aﬀordability, and infrastructure.
I have the most experiencing in activating voters, working with the community, and
getting things done in government. If elected, this role will help me be a better advocate for
the voters. We will address these issues by making them community priorities and activating
residents. With the voters support: We’ll hit the ground running to make our city even better.
Contact: www.JacobforLakewood.com; JLaBure@gmail.com; 6700 W. 11TH Ave.,
Unit 210, Lakewood CO 80214; JLaBure@gmail.com.

Charles K. Davis
Time at current address, Jeﬀco: 3 years and 4
months; 5 1/2 out of 22 in area.
Current/Previous occupation: Director of two
Tech. Dept’s for a large law ﬁrm; Owner of an IT outsourcing
and Design company.
Public Service: This is my ﬁrst foray into public
service.
Community Involvement: I have participated
the Lakewood Citizens Planning academy, which is
highly recommended. I’ve been involved in numerous
neighborhood organizations and committees. I’ve been
on the board of directors of my church and have attended
many many citizen driven events and was involved, from the beginning, with the direction of
the A line east of Denver and through established neighborhoods.
Board/Committee Memberships: Art Line Champions Group (Current), Board
of Directors - IT Summit (Current), President of Unity on the Avenue Church (former),
Roxborough Village Board of Directors (former).
Key issues/how address: Transparency in Government, Growth and Impact on
Infrastructure, Lack of Parks and Open Space in Ward.
I am a consensus builder and a communicator. I believe in open and honest and forthright
communications. I will approach each and every topic and issue presented with an open
mind, attain the facts, ask questions and research to ﬁll the gap of knowledge and work hard
to bridge both sides of the issues.
Contact: www.charleskdavis.com; charles@charleskdavis.com; 790 Crescent Lane,
Lakewood CO 80214; charles@charleskdavis.com.

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ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 16, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

5

Edgewater Mayoral Candidates
■ Compiled

by Jennifer LeDuc

Bonnie McNulty

Grant Babb
Time at current address, Jeﬀco: 8 years; 8 years.
Current/Previous occupation: Owner, Joyride
Brewing Co.; Chemical Engineer for various environmentally
friendly cleaning companies that support the brewing &
food processing industry.
Public Service:
Board of review & appeals, Riverside, OH.
Community Involvement:
President of Edgewater Collective. Our current focus
is on investing in our local schools and making sure every
child can succeed from cradle to career. Also supporter
of ALS, Prostate Cancer Awareness, American Heart
Association & Breast Cancer Awareness. Director of Operation Stimulus. Previously VP of
Denver Transportation Club.
Key issues/how address:
As an unaﬃliated candidate with 15 years of business leadership I will work through
the politics to bring everyone to the table to ensure decisions are for the best of everyone in
Edgewater. I will ensure the City Council has all the tools & information necessary to make
the best decisions for our citizens. Change is inevitable but responsible change is imperative.
Learn from the past. Live in the present. Plan for the future.
Contact: grant4edgewater.com; grant4edgewater@gmail.com; 2095 Newland St.,
Edgewater, CO, 80214.

• Current and previous boards and
committee memberships?
• What are the three key issues facing
your community? Why? How will you
address them and why are you qualiﬁed to
do so?
• And to provide campaign website
address and other contact information, if
available.
Responses are published verbatim,
although they may have been edited for
length (character limits were included in
the questionnaire), readability, potential
libelous content, oﬀensiveness or poor

taste.
The Neighborhood Gazette will not be
endorsing candidates or ballot initiatives.
Individual staﬀ members may be involved
in political campaigns, but they do not
speak oﬃcially for the newspaper.

Time at current address, Jeﬀco: 50 Years; 54
Years.
Current/Previous
occupation:
Retired;
Administrator/Owner of a Child Placement Agency.
Public Service: Court Appointed Special Advocate
(CASA); Peer Coordinator, Colorado State Institutional
Abuse Review Team (IART), Child Fatality Prevention
Review Team, Consultant to the Dept. of Human Services,
Colorado State Foster Parent Association: Charter member,
National Foster Parent Association Board of Directors
member (Governance Chair) Edgewater Optimist Club.
Community Involvement: President of Jeﬀerson
County Board of Health - member for 19 years. Appointed
to the Urban Drainage.
Key issues/how address:
Key issues for the Mayor are very diﬀerent than key issues for council members. While
I hear a lot of concern regarding Code Enforcement, a stronger police presence, and the
redevelopment of R-1 Zone Districts, it is council who creates the legislation to address those
issues. As Mayor I feel my key responsibilities are to provide an environment where council
can debate the issues, where citizens will be heard, and where Edgewater will have a strong
presence beyond our boundaries.
I have fostered a large network of people throughout the region as a result of my extensive
experience with various state and county boards, commissions, and departments. Having
served four terms as Edgewater’s Mayor I fully understand what the Mayor can do, and what
the Mayor can not do. That understanding is important to providing Council the support they
need to serve the community.
Contact: bjmcnulty2@comcast.net; 2490 Depew St., Edgewater, CO.

Todd Riddle
Time at current address, Jeﬀco: 20 years this
Halloween!; 20 years.
Current/Previous occupation: Transportation
Visualization Lead; Creative Director.
Public Service: 1.) 2 Term Mayor Pro-Tem,
City Council 2.) Planning & Zoning 3.) Edgewater
Redevelopment Authority.
Community Involvement: Former Charter
President of the Edgewater Optimist Club – Our goal was
to promote an active interest in good government and civic
aﬀairs; inspire respect for the law; promote patriotism and
work for international accord and friendship among all
people; aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self
in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
Board/Committee Memberships: 1.) Denver Regional Council of Governments
Board of Directors 2.) Metro Vision Issues Committee.
Key issues/how address:
• Pedestrian Safety – Exploring traﬃc calming methods, updating crosswalks, and more
enforcement.
• Land Use –Revisit portions of the Land Use code to address restrictions related to
expanding residences.
• Responsible Development – Retain our Edgewater identity by making decisions that
are grounded in the City’s values.
While serving two terms as Mayor Pro-Tem I have made thoughtful and informed
decisions for the beneﬁt of Edgewater's citizens.
Contact: www.riddle4mayor.com; riddle4mayor@gmail.com; Depew Street, Edgewater
CO; riddle4mayor@gmail.com.

ur final 2017 district-wide Art Walk
is just around the corner on First
Friday, Oct. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. (with
some locations open later). We'll have
performances by contemporary dance
troupe DAMAGEDANCE who will pop
up throughout the 40 West Arts District,
headquartered at 1560 Teller St. Poems and
spoken word readings are also taking place
at multiple participating galleries. Poems
are by participants of the Hard Times and A
Gathering Place writing workshops, hosted
by Lighthouse Writers. When times get
tough, you make art and these poets will
speak about topics relevant to homelessness
and other social issues.
For
more
information,
www.40westarts.org.

visit

Sip n’ Paint: Blurred Lines
Join Artist in Residence James
Overstreet for a “Blurred Lines,” a Sip n'
Paint class that is free for participants
and open to the public (21 and older only,
please), Oct. 18 and Nov. 15, 5:30 to 7 p.m.,
at 40 West Arts Gallery, 1560 Teller St. The
blurred image project will take two sessions
to complete; the first session is in October
and the second session in November.
Students will learn about color theory, light
and shadow as they work using this fun
process where the image to be painted is
blurred during the first session, and then
shown in full clarity during the second
session. One free glass of wine or beer is
offered during the course. Additional drinks
are available for a $5 donation.
Email james.overstreet@rmcad.edu to
reserve your spot.

locations open later). Join our district and
enjoy this undiscovered gem in Northeast
Lakewood. With seven primary galleries
and multiple creative businesses and
studios, our arts district is emerging as one
of the places to be on First Friday. We’ll
have beer & wine and light bites, live music,
live demos and tons of artwork available for
viewing and purchase.
Visit www.40westarts.org for details.

Youth Autism Exhibit
Opening Reception
40 West Arts partners with autistic
youth for a youth autism exhibit at 40 West
Arts Gallery,
1560 Teller St., that showcases the depth
and talent of these young artists. Art is
an outlet for creative expression for all
individuals, providing a voice for emotions
and experience. The exhibit will showcase
works from multiple mediums and provide
both insight to autism, but also the simple
expression of the day-to-day experiences
and passions of these individuals. At the
Friday, Nov. 3 opening reception, 5 to 8
p.m., we’ll have beer and wine and light
bites, and tons of artwork available for
viewing and purchase.
For more information, visit www.40
westarts.org.

Dia De Los Muertos
Reception & Celebration
Pirate: Contemporary Art, 7130 W. 16th
Ave., is a gallery with a 30-year standing
in the Denver community. Each year their
Dia De Los Muertos exhibit grows in size
and participation from the surrounding
community. This exhibit will feature altars
from multiple groups including local schools
and professional artists. Additionally, the
exhibit will showcase work that ties to this
theme, and host a luminary procession from
the gallery to a local park. The color, beauty
and culture of this opening reception is not
to be missed.
Visit www.pirateartonline.org for more
information.

$26 (reg. $37) South Endline
• Ticket includes admission to the Rapids game

• A portion of each ticket purchased will go back to support Jeffco schools
Please contact Travis Putnam with the Colorado Rapids at

EDGEWATER AT 25TH & SHERIDAN

Travis.Putnam@TeamKSE.com or 303.727.3590 with questions and orders of 20 or more.

COLORADORAPIDS.COM

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 16, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

7

Jefferson County Board of Education Candidates
n Compiled

by Gwen Clayton

Director District 1
Brad Rupert
Who: Brad Rupert; Jefferson
County School Board, District 1; I am
an attorney in private practice; I have
lived in Jefferson County for 33 years;
my children are Jeffco graduates.
Public Office: I have served on the
Jefferson County Board of Education
for two years.
Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity
volunteer since 1994. President,
Arvada Chamber of Commerce 2002,
Board six years. President, Arvada Community Food Bank
four years, Board eight years. President, A-J Kiwanis.
Most Important Issues:
• The ongoing issue is K-12 funding in Colorado has failed
to keep up with growth and inflation. Repeated cycles of
budget cuts have reduced our ability to attract and retain the
best teachers and prevented us from properly maintaining our
schools and other facilities. As a District we must continue to
improve and deliver on our promise of an excellent education
for every child and thereby earn appropriate funding from
voters. I am hopeful that voters want and are willing to pay
for highly effective schools. We must reform TABOR to allow
this to happen.
• We must continue to reduce achievement gaps for
children living in poverty. We should provide high quality
preschool and kindergarten for all children so all children start
their formal education on equal footing. We must improve
our family engagement so families can support the work done
at school. We must expand alternative career pathways for
the majority of graduates who will not be attending college.
We can prepare these graduates for the many honorable and
lucrative careers that don't require a college degree.
• After many years of cuts, our schools are showing the
neglect. We must build capacity in the growing areas of the
District while we maintain and renew the facilities we already
have an investment in.
Contact: BradforJeffcoKids.com; facebook Brad Rupert
for Jeffco Kids; cbrupert@aol.com; Friends of Brad Rupert,
303-456-1100

Matt Van Gieson
Who: Matt Van Gieson; Jeffco
School Board; Systems Engineer. Born
in Jeffco and went through Jeffco public
schools. I married another A West grad,
we have four children ages 7 yrs old to 12
wks.
Public Office: I have not run for
public office before.
Volunteer: I have volunteered in
our schools providing food and supplies
to at risk students. I coach my children’s sports teams and I
was the President of our PTO, leading fundraising efforts.
Most Important Issues:
• Jeffco spends a billion dollars a year but only 50% of 3rd
graders end the school year reading at grade level. That means
every other 4th grader arrives unprepared for fourth grade
work. We must do better. I will bring balance to the board,
setting achievement goals, and asking tough questions about
which programs are working. I will only support spending
dollars to help more students succeed.
• I volunteered at Pleasant View and experienced the

devastation the school closure caused. We also experienced
the anxiety of closure threats at Fitzmorris, our neighborhood
school, and Swanson which my wife attended. I do not support
closing small schools and splitting communities. We also have
enrollment growth in parts of Jeffco and need cost effective
solutions for those overcrowded schools.
• Many middle schools don’t have room for 6th graders;
adding capacity will cost about $50 million. We may lose
teacher who don’t have the certification to teach in middle
school. Schools like Manning won’t be able to take as many
students per grade. Special needs students will lose a year
of services. More elementary schools become “small” and
subject to closing. I don’t support moving 6th graders.
Contact: Visit my website: Matt4JeffcoSchoolBoard.
com to find links to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and
Twitter. Email me at Matt4JeffcoSchoolBoard@gmail.com
Candidate committee: Matt4JeffcoSchoolBoard; Chairperson
Brian DeLauro.

Director District 2
Susan Harmon
Who: I am Susan Harmon and I
am running for re-election to the JeffCo
School Board in District 2. I own a family
law practice in Lakewood. I have spent
my career working for families and kids.
Public Office: I am current serving
on the JeffCo School Board for District 2
Volunteer:
Rooney
Ranch
Elementary PTA- two years as President;
3 years as 2nd Vice President. I served
for two years as the PTA Parent Representative for Elected
Officials in my district. More on my website.
Most Important Issues: I decided to run in 2015
to address the loss of teachers in our district, and plan to
continue to work to attract/retain more great teachers for our
classrooms. When we are planning for the success of future
JeffCo students, we must continue to work on creating greater
equity in our programs and facilities for all students, while
addressing the diverse needs of our student populations.
This will continue to be imperative as we look to support
facilities in high-growth areas. We need to ensure that all
students have opportunities and access to multiple pathways
for success, while they are in school, and after graduation. We
have increased the supports for mental health in our schools,
and need to continue to work on this, as well as focusing
on the achievement gaps that continue for our student
populations. The board must work to strike the right balance
with testing in our schools by making sure we have wellrounded accountability systems, without excessive emphasis
on standardized testing. The board must continue, despite
differences in opinion, to maintain the civility that has been
restored within the board room. I look forward to working on
these solutions with the community.
Contact: Friends of Susan Harmon; Campaign
Contact Number/Campaign Staff 303 667-9289; www.
keepjeffcomovingforward.com;
www.susanforjeffcokids.
com; susan@susanforjeffcokids.com; www.facebook.com/
susan forjeffcokids/.

Erica Shields
Who: My name is Erica Shields, and I’m running for
Jefferson County School in District I have lived in Littleton a
little over 10 years. I am a married mom of four children who
have all gone through Jefferson County public schools.
Public Office: I have never been in or run for public
office before.

Volunteer: I have volunteered in
my children’s schools over the years as
a parent mom as well as PTA mom. I
have worked with several organizations
to help provide everything from food,
school supplies, socks, and other items
to those in need.
Most Important Issues:
• The most important issues I
am hearing from my community are
student achievement, the threat of closing schools, and
moving 6th graders to middle schools.
• Providing the opportunity for EVERY student in
EVERY Jeffco school to succeed is one of the major issues
facing Jeffco. Although recent test scores show that Jeffco
is doing better than Colorado on the whole, only 50% of
Jeffco students are meeting or exceeding state standards.
Many students are so far behind academically it is nearly
impossible for them to graduate with the skills they will
need for college or career. Although test scores don’t paint
the picture of a student’s learning or capabilities we need to
do a better job investing the billion dollars we spend each
year to ensure our students are achieving at a higher level.
• The threats of closing schools is another big issue facing
Jeffco families. Far too many communities are concerned
and stressed because the board has threatened to close
dozens of schools. Placing a school on the potential closure
list makes families nervous and often leads to declining
enrollment making the school even more vulnerable
to closure. Closing a neighborhood school breaks up a
community and has devastating effects especially when the
school primarily serves low income families.
Contact:
Email:Erica@ericaforschoolboard.com;
Website: www.ericaforschoolboard.com; Twitter: @EricaFor
Kids; FB: @EricaForKids; No committee chairperson.

Director District 5
Ron Mitchell (uncontested)

Who: Ron Mitchell. I am running
for District 5 Jeffco School Board. I am
a former Jeffco High School Principal,
lifelong Jeffco resident, and graduate
of Arvada High School.
Public Office: Yes I am currently
a Jeffco School Board member.
Volunteer: I have spent my life
giving back to the community through
educating our children.
Most Important Issues:
• Expanding career pathways for students. Not all
students are college bound. By providing vocational,
technical, and apprenticeship opportunities to our students,
we better prepare our students to thrive in life after school.
• Attracting and retaining quality teachers for every
classroom. Quality teachers are simply the key to our success
in providing education to our children. There is no single
tactic that will achieve this goal, but elevating teachers and
the teaching profession to ensure they receive the respect
and support of the community is an important step.
• Focusing resources on updating and remodeling
our older school buildings to ensure a first-class learning
environment for students. Many of our schools were built
30-50 years ago. It is important to protect the investment
previous generations made in these facilities.
Contact:
Website:
http://ronforjeffcokids.com/
&
http://keepjeffcomovingforward.com/;
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ronforjeffcokids; Email: ron@
ronforjeffcokids.com; Phone: 720.588.2174.

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 16, 2017– ngazette.com

EDGEWATER COLLECTIVE

Services
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Joel Newton

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he Jefferson Community Center is now
open from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays
during the month of September. A computer
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walnutridgefamilymedicine.com
Representatives from Jeffco Public Schools
Title I Department and resource navigators
from Jefferson Center for Mental Health
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The Jefferson Community Center is
located inside Jefferson Junior Senior High
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through the main doors on the east side of the
school and check in with school security. The
Jefferson Community Center is located in the
northeast corner of Jefferson just past the
cafeteria. This service is open to families in
the 80214 ZIP code area and those who have
children who attend the following schools:
Edgewater Elementary, Jeffco Open School,
Jefferson Junior/Senior High, Lumberg
Elementary and Molholm Elementary.

Frameworks
for
schools
across
Colorado. Schools are assigned plan types
based on their performance. Performance
is based on academic achievement and
longitudinal academic growth.
Based on performance, CDE assigns one
of the following plans to schools:
Performance Plan: The school meets
or exceeds statewide attainment on the
performance indicators and is required to
adopt and implement a Performance Plan.
Improvement Plan: The school
is required to adopt and implement an

Improvement Plan.
Priority Improvement Plan: The
school is required to adopt and implement
a Priority Improvement Plan.
Turnaround Plan: The school
is required to adopt and implement a
Turnaround Plan.
This year all three Jefferson Area
elementary schools (Edgewater, Lumberg
and Molholm) improved and moved up to the
next plan level. Molholm Elementary School
made the largest jump, moving from Priority
Improvement Plan to Performance Plan.
Great work teachers, staff, parents and
students!
Contact Edgewater Collective Executive Director Joel Newton at joel@edgewatercollective.org or 303-658-0779.

ore local movie theaters have embraced
the trend of serving food and alcohol.
A few of them actually bring food right to
your seat; however, most theaters provide
a limited variety of snacks or appetizers.
At Alamo Drafthouse, they offer not only
popcorn, nachos, pretzels and candy, but
the Austin-based company also serves a
variety of freshly made entries, deserts and
delicacies, prepared by an executive chef.
While the idea of a chef in a movie
theater kitchen may conjure a burly fellow
shuffling processed food from the walkin, to the microwave, and then spooning it
onto a plate, the executive chefs at Alamo
Drafthouse theaters are a far cry from
burger flippers wiping grease from their
sweaty brows. To become an executive chef
requires significant cooking experience and
a lot of creativity. And while an associate’s
degree or BA in culinary arts is not essential,
it definitely enhances the chef’s credibility
and expands his/her career options.
Seth Rexroad, who is the executive
chef for Alamo Drafthouse Denver got his
start as a commercial cook at age nine. A
self-described “hippy kid,” Rexroad spent
summers working with his father, who was
an operations manager for a company that
catered meals on film and TV show sets, as
well as back stages at concerts. One day,
while working in the kitchen at the Country
Music Hall of Fame, the younger Rexroad,
who was in his 20s at the time and triple
majoring in sculpture, film and fine art,
discovered that he and his Colorado-based
girlfriend were going to be parents. With
that news, Rexroad refocused his plans for a
career as an artist and moved out west to be

there when his child was born.
When that relationship ended, Rexroad
continued his cooking career to support
himself and his child, working his way up
from line cook to chef. After receiving his
associate’s degree in culinary arts from the
Art Institute of Colorado, Rexroad worked as
an executive chef at an upscale restaurant in
Longmont. Within a few years he remarried
and relocated to Texas when his wife was
transferred there for a job. While in Texas,
he learned about Alamo Drafthouse and
applied for an executive chef position with
the theater company’s flagship location in
Austin. It took six months to get his foot in
the door, but once the company recognized
Rexroad’s talent, they welcomed him as
employee. In 2013, Rexroad returned to
Colorado as the executive chef for the first
Alamo Drafthouse in the state. Rexroad
transferred to the Alamo Drafthouse Denver
location and recently celebrated his fifth
anniversary with the company.
While many of the dishes at the Alamo
Drafthouse Denver are the same as those on
menus at all Alamo Drafthouse locations,
a number of them are dishes Rexroad
developed specifically for the Colorado
market. Among the clever and mouthwatering recipes Rexroad has created is
the Blucifer, a sort of pizza homage to the
“demon horse” sculpture at DIA.
Not all who go to movies care whether
or not they can eat a full meal or fresh food
while watching a film. For many, a bucket of
popcorn and a large drink fit the bill, but for
certain foodies or for those who appreciate
the all-in-one package of dinner and a
movie, the Alamo Drafthouse and its team of
personable, talented and creative executive
chefs, provide a convenient and tasty option.

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 16, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

HEALTHY EDGEWATER

Does your
personal trainer
get results
like this?

The Krick Family Talks About
Healthy Living
n By

Lee Stiffler-Meyer

P

hysical activity is a way of life for Benton
Street residents Mark, Sarah, Myles and
Ben Krick. Biking, volleyball, baseball and
swimming are just a handful of activities
the Krick family does regularly to stay
active. This month, HEALthy Edgewater
caught up with the Krick family, to hear
about their favorite physical activities and
their thoughts on opportunities for healthy
living in Edgewater.
Neighbors say your family loves the
outdoors and participating in sports.
What are some of your family's favorite
activities?
“We have fun biking and golfing together
and playing wiffleball or football down at
the park. We also like to combine hiking
with a little fishing in a stream when we
have time to get a little further away from
the neighborhood.
“We have our individual activities and
sports we like to participate in, too. We like
going to the gym for a workout, participating
in cross-country, basketball or baseball at
school and playing lunch time volleyball.
Your family has participated in the
Edgewater Walks challenge each year.
What motivates you to get your family out
the door to these community walks?
“We have always enjoyed getting back
outside after dinner time, but it seems like
that hasn’t been as consistent lately with
homework or just wanting to relax after a
busy day. However, having something like
Edgewater Walks set up and a scheduled

event has re-motivated us to take the time
to get back outside and enjoy visiting with
neighbors.”
With working parents and school agedchildren sometimes the schedule gets really
busy, how do you balance family time,
school/work time and other obligations?
“Physical activity has always been a
stress reliever for us. It isn’t always easy
to do, but we realize we need to take the
time to fit in some exercise to keep that
balance. Sometimes it is just a matter for
taking a break from homework and playing
outside with neighborhood kids, shooting
some baskets or playing four-square in the
driveway.”
How does Edgewater support your
goals for a healthy lifestyle?
“Living in Edgewater gives us the option
to walk or ride a bike instead of always
getting in your car. We love that we can walk
to the grocery and hardware store, library
and post office, pick up prescriptions and
pick out glasses, go out to eat or meet up
for coffee, and more, all without getting into
the car. Also, having Sloan’s Lake right here
gives so many options for activity and gives
you a destination.”
Thanks Krick family.
Stay up-to-date on HEALthy Edgewater
activities and profiles of our very own right
here on The Neighborhood Gazette or visit
edgewaterecho.com and the HEALthy
Edgewater Facebook page.

SCHOOL VISITOR PASS
The Transformation and Hope of
Rose Stein International
n By

T

Esther Valdez

ransformation is defined as a thorough
or dramatic change in form or
appearance. Hope is defined as a feeling of
expectation and desire for a certain thing to
happen.
A transformation of hope is exactly what
has occurred at Rose Stein International
Elementary. Over two years ago this
65-year-old building was neglected, filled
to overcapacity and in serious disrepair.
Jeffco made the decision to close the school
and relocate the students to a neighboring
school building. A creative use of capital
reserve funds and a dream to bring an
innovative school to this poverty-impacted
and neglected school building became a
reality.
Our school represents over 60 percent
of students learning English as a second
language and over 90 percent of our
students qualify for the free or reduced lunch
program. This diverse thriving community
deserves to be heard. This community
deserves this investment. I see my role as
principal here as an “unexpected gift” and I
enthusiastically came on board to lead this
renovation and complete redevelopment of
this school.
In the process of designing innovative
instructional areas with a flexible
learning environment, a partnership
with the community began designing
and envisioning a true centerpiece in the
neighborhood, which included an in-house
preventive care health clinic partnership
with MCPN, preschool services and JCMH
mental health resources for families and
students all accessible right here in the
building. Additionally, our efforts to
design an academically focused learning
environment, led us to consider the globally
minded citizens we are striving to develop.

This process further guided our decision
to adopt the Primary Year’s International
Baccalaureate (IB) program. We are a
candidate IB school seeking to embed
internationally minded action into all
our academic learning. Understanding
the balanced well-rounded educational
experience we are striving to provide all our
students helped us expand our renovation to
include an athletic field, a new playground
and a community garden with outdoor
classroom learning areas.
We are holding community meetings
with neighborhood associations, faith
organizations, city government, and
various District and community leaders
to develop a true neighborhood school.
The outreach of support for this vision to
bring a true community school back into
this neighborhood has quickly moved
from dream to reality. I actively welcome
all visitors, volunteers and families
to invest your time and energy in this
transformational school that is thriving on
bringing hope to our community.
In summary, I’d like to share our school
mission/vision statement, which reflects our
school priorities: Rose Stein International
is a community of learners empowered
to embrace curiosity, collaboration and
diverse perspectives. Our actions create a
better world! We believe that all students
are empowered to embrace curiosity,
collaboration and diverse perspectives as
global citizens. Come see this magic for
yourself.
Thank you,
Esther Valdez
Esther Valdez is Principal of Rose Stein
International Elementary.
Questions for this guest writer or suggestions for future guest writers should be
sent in to Guy@NostalgicHomes.com.

ASK THE EXPERT
Avoid These Financial Traps – They
May Be Hazardous to Your Wealth
n By

Victoria Thompson

M

oney. It’s hard to get and easy to lose.
It doesn’t take long for the wealth
you’ve accumulated to disappear if you
don’t manage your money well or have a
plan to protect your assets from sudden
calamity. Snares like the ones mentioned
below could easily threaten your financial
security. Planning ahead can protect you
and your loved ones from getting caught.

Undisciplined Spending

The more you have, the more you spend
– or so the saying goes. But not paying close
attention to your cash flow may prevent you
from saving enough money for your future.
Manage your income by creating a spending
plan that includes saving and investing
a portion of your pay. Your financial
professional can help identify planning
strategies that will maximize your savings
and minimize your taxes.

High Debt

With the easy availability of credit, it
isn’t hard to understand how many people
rack up high credit card balances and
other debt. Short-term debt will become
long-term debt if you’re paying only the
minimum amount toward your balances. If
you can’t pay off your credit card debt all at
once, consider transferring the balances to a
card with a lower interest rate.

Unprotected Assets

Your life, your property, and your
ability to work should all be protected.
Life insurance can provide income for
your family if you die. Homeowners and
automobile insurance can help protect you
if your home or car is damaged or destroyed
and provide liability coverage if someone
is injured. Disability insurance can protect
your income if you’re unable to work.

Unmanaged Inheritance

A financial windfall is great, but it also
can be dangerous. Without solid advice on
managing and investing the money, you

For more information, contact Felicia
Goett at 720-763-3042, or visit www.edgewaterseniors.org.

Your Input Wanted for
New Edgewater Library,
Sept. 28 & 30

Renewable Energy
Updates in Jeffco: Find
Out What’s New Oct. 5

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL)
and Humphries Poli Architects are cohosting two community meetings to seek
input on the design of a new library in
Edgewater. JCLP is partnering with the City
of Edgewater to put a 10,000-square-foot
library in the new Edgewater Civic Center,
opening next fall.
At the meetings, representatives from
Humphries Poli Architects will present
initial design concepts using a highly
interactive presentation that invites resident
input.
The first meeting is Thursday, Sept.
28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Happy Leaf
Kombucha, 5700 W. 25th Ave., Edgewater.
The second takes place Saturday, Sept. 30,
from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Edgewater
Recreation Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave.,
Edgewater.

The League of Women Voters Jeffco
will present a free panel discussion on local
efforts toward sustainable communities,
Oct. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Golden
Community Center, 1470 10th St., Golden.
Focusing on renewable energy, panelists
will discuss what’s been accomplished,
what’s in progress and why it’s important.
After review by League members and if
time permits, questions will be answered.
League
Sustainability
Committee
member Pat Mesec said the committee
began asking communities nine years ago
what their plans were to work toward a
sustainable community.
“Now we have gone back and asked
the same question with the hope that some

Are you 55 or older and have crafts or
wares to sell? Sign up for the fourth annual
Stitch ‘n Chatter Fall Craft Bazaar and Bake
Sale, hosted by Edgewater’s American
Legion Post 17, Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1901 Harlan St.
The one-of-a-kind event features the
handiwork of senior-aged, older adult
crafters – great gifts for the coming holiday
season – plus a bake sale and door prizes.
Booth rental is just $15; admission is
free.
Sponsors include Colorado Senior
Connections in Edgewater, City of
Edgewater, and Jewish Family Service.

For updates on the Edgewater Civic
Center, visit edgewaterco.com. For updates on the new library in Edgewater, as
well as library events, visit jeffcolibrary.
org.’

n By

A

Ronda Scholting

s a hazy sun rose over the Red Rocks
Amphitheatre, a small crowd of people,
dressed in blue t-shirts, grew to more than
2,100. All were there to take part in the
ninth annual Colorado 9/11 Stair Climb,
to remember the first responders who lost
their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11,
2001.
And, as the sun battled with clouds
overhead, each pair of feet would take
nearly 2,000 steps – the equivalent of the
110 stories of the World Trade Center, a total
of nine laps around the amphitheater. The
climbers came from 16 states, representing
60 fire agencies from Colorado and across
the country.
“It’s amazing to see the support we
have each year for this event,” said Shawn
Duncan, a lieutenant with West Metro Fire
Rescue and co-coordinator of the climb.
“We had people here just after 6 am, waiting
in line to register.”
Duncan and Cody McGinnis, an Aurora
firefighter, are the co-coordinators of the
event and rely on an army of volunteers
and sponsors to turn their idea into a reality
each year.
“We wanted to do something to both
remember the 343 firefighters who died
trying to save lives that day, and to help the
families they left behind,” said McGinnis.

The climb benefits the FDNY Counseling
Services Unit and the programs provided by
the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
to support their families. So far, more than
$2 million has been raised through stair
climb events around the country. The Red
Rocks event is the largest of its kind – this
year participants raised nearly $70,000.
And while most climbers wear t-shirts
and shorts during the moderately strenuous
event, in the crowd, you can see firefighters,
dressed completely in “bunker” gear – heavy
coats and pants – with helmets on their
heads. Some even are “on air” – with face
masks, connected to air tanks, breathing
compressed air as they climb. And, as the
tanks begin to run dry, you can hear the
alarms sound – warning the wearer that air
and time are running out.
“As a firefighter, we’re trained for the
worst scenarios,” said Duncan. “Even so, it’s
hard to imagine what they saw that day as
they climbed the stairs of the World Trade
Center. They had to know it was likely they
were not going to make it out. That’s why we
do this – to remember their sacrifice.”
Registration for next year’s Colorado
9/11 Stair Climb opens early next summer.
Watch www.911stairclimb.com for details.
Ronda Scholting is the Communications/Media Relations Specialist for West
Metro Fire Rescue; contact her at rscholting@westmetrofire.org or 303-941-8317.

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 16, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

11

WHAT’S HAPPENING
Continued from page 10

initiatives and accomplishments will be
shared at this meeting,” she said.
For more information, visit www.lwvjeffco.org, call 303-268-0032 or email info@
lwvjeffco.org.

Sustainable Edgewater
Seminar Series, Oct. 17
Learn how about sweeteners and local
honey in “Sugar, Honey and Sweet Stuff,”
next in the Sustainable Edgewater Seminar
Series, held Tuesday, Oct. 17, 7 to 8 p.m., at
the Edgewater Library 5843 W. 25th Ave.
For more information, call the Edgewater Library, 303-235-5275.

Dia de los Muertos,
Star Wars Reads Day at
Edgewater Library
Edgewater Library, located at 5843 W.
25th Ave., is offering a continuing cavalcade
of free classes and activities for children,
teens and adults.
Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and
the whole family are invited to “Raise A
Reader,” featuring simple and fun activities,
snacks and prizes, Saturday, Sept. 30, from
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Bookstores, retailers, libraries and fans
all over the world will celebrate the love of
“Star Wars” and reading on Star Wars Reads
Day, Thursday, Oct. 5. In its sixth official
year, Edgewater Library is celebrating with
fun galactic crafts and Star Wars books for
the whole family to enjoy, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Suitable for all ages.
Plan to celebrate Dia de los Muertos
– The Festival of Bones – Thursday, Oct.
19, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Library staff

and patrons will honor the contributions
of all of their ancestors by learning the
traditional techniques of decorating sugar
skulls. The skull represents death while
the sugar represents the sweetness of life.
Get in the spirit! Presented by the CHAC
Gallery & Cultural Center, it’s limited to 25
participants and registration is required,
starting 2:45 p.m. on Oct. 11. Suitable for all
ages.
Book Group meets Oct. 14 (second
Saturday) to discuss “The Beekeeper’s
Daughter” by Santa Montefiore. Suitable for
adults.
Play and build with LEGO bricks every
Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., during
LEGO Play and Build. Suitable for all ages.
All events are free.
For more information, call 303-2355275 or visit jeffcolibrary.org

for Classical Connections Music Class, an
amazing musical tour through the classical
music world, taught by Betsy Schwarm, a
college professor and noted music historian.
Tuesdays, Oct. 3 and 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m.,
at the Edgewater Rec Room, 5845 W. 25th
Ave. Pay $5 upon arrival.
Beginners are welcome in “An Afternoon
of Bunko,” a fun dice game with lots of
action that is easy to learn; $6 per class.
Held Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1 to 3:30 p.m., at the
Edgewater Rec Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave.
Call 720-763-3042 for more information.
Stitch and Chatter, a free, drop-in
handcrafts group meets every Wednesday,
1 to 3:30 p.m., at 2250 Eaton St. Anything
you want to work on in your lap is welcome,
from knitting, crochet, to embroidery. All
ages and levels are welcome.
The Historical Society Quilting Circle
next meets inside the Wheat Ridge Historical
Park Museum, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 10:30
a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about the history of
Wheat Ridge and bring a project to work
on – it doesn't have to be quilting! There is
a show-and-tell time to see what everyone
is working on. All levels are welcome, and
others can help you get started if you want
to learn. Feel free to bring a sack lunch.

Men’s Group meets twice a month to
discuss sports, politics and current events.
No subject is off limits, but members are
expected to behave appropriately. Each
member will take a turn leading a group
discussion. Men from Edgewater, Wheat
Ridge, Lakewood and around are welcome.
Next meetings are Thursday, Sept. 28
and Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the
Edgewater Rec Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/COSeniorConnection/

Emerald Ash Borer
information Available
From Lakewood
The emerald ash borer, a highly
destructive, non-native insect that kills
all true ash trees, has been detected in
Boulder. As a result, Colorado experts want
to be sure consumers are receiving accurate
information about the pest, which is difficult
to detect.
Information and resources for Lakewood residents can be found at Lakewood.org/Forestry.

303-995-5634
Professional, friendly and fun parent/child group music classes for newborns to
7 years old. Also check out our yoga, dance and adult group guitar classes.
Altitunes is locally owned and strives to bring people together through music.

5390 West 25th Ave.
303.233.5128
Come meet the newest addition to our team

Marty

“the Barber from Boston”

720.235.7733

michaelrussellfurniture.com

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